Paper short abstract:

This presentation reviews the current state of knowledge on Indigenous led monitoring gathered through a systematic literature review & key informant interviews. Trends & best practices are highlighted to describe a monitoring program which evaluates the success of oil sands reclaimed sites.

Paper long abstract:

The responsibility for monitoring the impacts of extractive industry in Canada is often delegated to the corporate sector who utilize almost exclusively western scientific monitoring methods, despite calls for a more diverse and inclusive approach to monitoring, including those of local stakeholders and Indigenous communities. Over the past 30 years, Indigenous-led monitoring programs, also known as Guardian, Stewardship or Watchman programs, have emerged as a tool for Indigenous communities to reestablish their rights and responsibilities in their traditional territories and beyond. Guardian programs offer a holistic approach that, when compared to western methods of monitoring, are better positioned to meet the needs, and affirm the values of Indigenous communities. The growing availability of funding opportunities, political support and interest, and recognition of Indigenous governance has resulted in increased interest and uptake of Indigenous led monitoring. Despite the growing interest of these programs, Indigenous led monitoring efforts in the oil sands, located in the Traditional Territory of Fort McKay First Nation in Alberta, Canada remain scarce while calls to develop these programs have increased, notably in reclamation and closure contexts. In support of this movement, this presentation reviews the current state of knowledge on Indigenous led monitoring gathered through a systematic literature review and key informant interviews. Interviewees included program leaders, guardians, rangers and watchmen from 7 ongoing Indigenous led monitoring programs in Canada. Identified trends and best practices are highlighted to develop a monitoring program which evaluates the success of oil sands reclaimed sites from a Cree and Dene perspective.